"One of the most significant ways in which higher education can contribute to sustainability is through the incorporation of sustainable practices into campus operations."
Sustainability in higher education
By Anas Abdin, Data Science Specialist, Gulf University of Science and Technology, Kuwait
Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in higher education. As the world faces a growing number of environmental challenges, colleges and universities have an important role to play in promoting sustainable practices and educating future generations about the importance of environmental stewardship. One of the most significant ways in which higher education can contribute to sustainability is through the incorporation of sustainable practices into campus operations. This includes everything from reducing energy and water consumption to reducing waste and promoting sustainable transportation options. Many universities are now implementing sustainability plans that set goals for reducing their carbon footprint, conserving resources, and promoting environmental education and awareness.
In addition to promoting sustainable practices on campus, many colleges and universities are also incorporating sustainability into their curricula. This can take many forms, from offering courses in sustainability and environmental science to integrating sustainability into courses across the curriculum. By providing students with a strong foundation in sustainability, higher education institutions are helping to create a generation of environmentally conscious leaders who can work to promote sustainability in their future careers and communities.
Beyond campus operations and curricula, higher education institutions can also promote sustainability through research and community engagement. Many universities are now conducting research on sustainability issues, such as climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Through this research, universities are not only advancing knowledge in the field of sustainability, but also providing practical solutions to environmental challenges.
Sustainability research is the study of the environmental, economic, and social impacts of human activity and the development of strategies to promote sustainability. Sustainability research is critical for developing sustainable solutions to global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. In this essay, we will discuss sustainability research, its importance, and some examples of sustainability research areas.
The importance of sustainability research cannot be overstated. It provides an understanding of the complex and interconnected challenges facing our planet and helps to identify sustainable solutions. Sustainability research informs policymakers, businesses, and individuals, providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions that promote sustainability. By conducting sustainability research, we can identify the most effective solutions to address sustainability challenges and work towards a more sustainable future.
There are several areas of sustainability research, including climate change, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and sustainable development. Climate change research focuses on the causes and effects of global warming, including the impacts on ecosystems, human health, and the economy. Renewable energy research focuses on developing and promoting sustainable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Sustainable agriculture research focuses on developing agricultural practices that are environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and economically viable. Circular economy research focuses on developing systems that promote the reuse and recycling of resources to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Finally, sustainable development research focuses on promoting economic growth while protecting the environment and promoting social equity.
An example of sustainability research is the study of sustainable transportation. Transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Sustainable transportation research focuses on developing and promoting sustainable transportation solutions such as public transportation, biking, and walking. Sustainable transportation research also looks at the environmental, social, and economic impacts of different modes of transportation, and identifies ways to promote sustainable transportation practices.
Another example of sustainability research is the study of sustainable building design. Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable building design research focuses on developing buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible. This research looks at the design, construction, and operation of buildings and identifies ways to reduce energy consumption, conserve resources, and promote sustainable building practices.
Sustainability research is critical for addressing the complex challenges facing our planet. It provides the knowledge and tools needed to develop sustainable solutions and promotes informed decision-making by policymakers, businesses, and individuals. Sustainability research areas include climate change, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and sustainable development. By conducting sustainability research, we can work towards a more sustainable future and ensure the long-term health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.
Overall, sustainability is an important issue in higher education, and colleges and universities have an important role to play in promoting sustainable practices, educating future generations about environmental stewardship, and advancing knowledge and solutions in the field of sustainability. By incorporating sustainability into campus operations, curricula, research, and community engagement, higher education institutions can help to create a more sustainable future for all.
Towards greater access to knowledge:
The need for an open access policy in India
"Open access has been shown to increase the impact and visibility of research, as well as promote collaboration and innovation".
By Sridhar Gutum, Senior Scientist, ICAR-Institute of Horticultural Research, India.
India has emerged as a major player in the global knowledge economy, with a population of over 1.3 billion people and a growing economy that is attracting global attention. The country has made significant strides in education and research in recent years, and the government is taking steps to ensure that this progress continues.
However, access to research and knowledge remains a challenge, particularly for those in low-income and rural areas. This is where open access comes in – it refers to the practice of making scholarly publications and data freely available online, without restrictions on access or reuse.
Open access has been shown to increase the impact and visibility of research, as well as promote collaboration and innovation. It can also help to democratize access to knowledge and support development, particularly in developing countries like India.
India has already taken some steps towards open access, including mandating the deposit of PhD theses in open access repositories by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and adopting funders mandates by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Department of Biotechnology/Department of Science and Technology (DBT/DST). However, these efforts have not been sufficient to increase open access to research in India, as only 27 percent of published literature is available under open access.
To address this issue, a national open access policy is needed in India. Such a policy could mandate that all publicly funded research be made freely available online and provide incentives for researchers and institutions to adopt open access practices. It could also promote the development of open educational resources and open data, which could help to democratize access to knowledge and support innovation and collaboration. The high subscription costs for academic journals is making difficult for researchers and institutions to access research materials. open access can help to reduce these costs by providing free and open access to research materials, making it easier for researchers to access the information they need to conduct their work.
Open access can also help to promote collaboration and innovation. By making research more accessible, it can facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration between researchers, which can lead to new discoveries and innovations. This is particularly important in a rapidly developing country like India, where innovation and technological advancements are critical to economic growth and development. It is also worth noting that open access can have significant social and economic benefits. By democratizing access to knowledge, it can help to empower marginalized communities and promote social and economic development. This is particularly important in India, where there is a large population living in poverty and a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Open access has the potential to significantly increase access to knowledge and promote collaboration and innovation in India's education and research sectors. While some progress has been made, a national policy is needed to ensure that all publicly funded research is made freely available online and to promote the development of open educational resources and open data. By adopting open access practices, India can strengthen its position as a global leader in the knowledge economy while also promoting social and economic development.
The impact of teaching style in higher education
"Another popular method of instruction in today's universities is active learning. Labs, simulations, and case studies are example."
By Sadia Akter, Content Writer, AHZ Associates, Bangladesh
Teaching style in higher education refers to the approaches, techniques, and methods used by instructors to impart knowledge, skills, and attitudes to their students.
These styles are often shaped by the instructor's personal teaching philosophy, their educational background, and their level of experience in the classroom.
In higher education, the way teachers teach has a big effect on what students learn and how they learn it. Effective teaching strategies can enhance students' engagement, motivation, and retention of knowledge.
Here are some strategies for effective learning in higher education:
Active Learning: Encourage students to actively participate in their learning. This approach can involve group discussions, problem-solving, case studies, and debates, among others.
Another popular method of instruction in today's universities is active learning. Labs, simulations, and case studies are examples of the kinds of hands-on, experiential learning activities emphasised by this approach. Student motivation and retention may improve as a result of the active learning environment created by this method of instruction.
Personalised learning: Teaching methods and styles should be changed to fit the different ways students learn, their preferences, and their needs. Some students, for example, learn better by seeing things, while others are more interested in doing things with their hands.
Feedback and Assessment: Provide timely and constructive feedback to students. Encourage self-assessment, peer-review, and reflection. This approach helps students identify their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Use of Technology: When teaching, use technology like online tools, interactive whiteboards, and multimedia resources to make lessons more interesting and easy to understand.
Real-World Connections: Connect learning with real-world experiences and challenges. This approach makes learning more relevant, practical, and memorable.
Encourage Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among students through group projects, teamwork, and discussions. Collaboration helps students develop interpersonal skills, communication skills, and social awareness.
Flexibility and adaptability: Be flexible and adaptable to change. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities shifted to online learning.
Traditional teaching style: The lecture is the traditional method of instruction in higher education. The instructor uses visual aids like PowerPoint presentations to provide material to the class in a systematic and coordinated fashion.
A common criticism of the lecture technique is that it does not actively involve students in the learning process, despite the fact that it is an efficient means of imparting knowledge to a large number of people.
Students who learn best through other means, such as kinesthetic learners who thrive on hands-on activities or auditory learners who thrive on listening to lectures, may find this kind of instruction difficult.
Flipped classroom: The flipped classroom is another innovative approach to higher education. In this method, students are given pre-recorded lectures or readings to review before class. The flipped classroom puts the responsibility of learning on the student, allowing them to control the pace and focus of their learning.
This teaching style can also be effective in promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills among students.
In addition to these ways of teaching, teachers can also use a variety of instructional strategies to help students learn more. For example, scaffolding is a strategy where instructors break down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable parts to help students understand them better.
Differentiated instruction is another strategy. With this method, teachers give students different kinds of learning activities that fit their learning styles and abilities. Feedback and assessment are also important ways to help students learn by giving them feedback on how they are doing and showing them where they need to improve.
However, it's important to remember that teaching styles and instructional strategies don't contradict each other, and teachers often use a mix of different methods to reach their goals.
For example, an instructor may use the lecture method to introduce a new concept and then follow it up with a group discussion to encourage active learning and critical thinking. Similarly, an instructor may use a flipped classroom approach to engage students in the learning process and then use collaborative learning to help students apply what they have learned.
In higher education, the way teachers teach is an important factor that can have a big effect on how much students learn.
Even though there is no one-size-fits-all method, teachers should try to find ways to teach that are effective, interesting, and fit the needs of their students. By using different methods, teachers can create a dynamic and welcoming learning environment that helps students succeed and encourages a love of learning that will last a lifetime.